Therapeutic Recreation Concentration

Students may specialize in therapeutic recreation (TR) within the
Bachelor of Science in Parks & Recreation Management degree. The TR degree program is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) through which students may be eligible for reduced tuition. The curriculum prepares students with the skills to provide therapeutic
interventions and adaptive recreation services for individuals with illnesses
or disabling conditions in a variety of service settings. Students develop
knowledge and skills to assess individuals, develop plans of service, provide
diverse therapeutic interventions, and evaluate and document outcomes of care.
Students gain competencies to effectively provide comprehensive therapeutic
recreation services including; program design and evaluation, individual and
group service provision, and advocating for individuals served.

The Bachelor of Science in Parks &
Recreation Management with a Therapeutic Recreation
Concentration includes supportive courses such as anatomy and physiology,
human development and abnormal psychology. Community engaged projects and
fieldwork experiences are a required component of the curriculum. When students
have fulfilled all the required coursework, they are required to complete an
internship under the supervision of a Certified
Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Program graduates are eligible to take
the national certification examination offered through the National
Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

Therapeutic Recreation or Recreational
Therapy is defined by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association as a
treatment service designed to restore, remediate and rehabilitate a person’s
level of functioning and independence in life activities, to promote health and
wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and
restrictions to participation in life situations caused by an illness or
disabling condition. (July 2009)

Opportunities
in the Field

Therapeutic recreation professionals have the
flexibility to work in numerous locations with diverse populations to impact
the person’s quality of life. Graduates
of the program are eligible to work in a variety of settings, including:

·
Adult day health
care facilities

·
Assisted living

·
Human service
organizations

·
Long-term and
residential care facilities

·
Parks and
recreation programs

·
Rehabilitation,
pediatric and psychiatric hospitals

·
Special education

·
Veterans affairs
hospitals

Student Engagement

Students interested in therapeutic recreation
are encouraged to be active in the community, to gain knowledge of the diverse
programs and services and develop professional relationships for future
employment. The Arizona State
Therapeutic Recreation Association Student Club (ASTRA) is a great opportunity
for students to gain hands-on experience and network with professionals in
Therapeutic Recreation. ASTRA Student Club offers a variety of career fieldwork
opportunities.

Students who complete the Bachelor of Science
in Parks & Recreation Management with a Therapeutic Recreation
Concentration are eligible to sit for the national CTRS examination. Alternative professional pathways to
certification are available for students who completed a degree in another
field of study. Review the standards available on the National Council for
Therapeutic Recreation Certification website for more information: National Council for
Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

Contact Information

School of Community Resources and Development undergraduate advisors are available
to assist you in academic planning and success at ASU.